JOB TITLE: ECOLOGICAL PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 54490

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Ecological Program job series describes professional work in the development and administration of an agency ecological program.

DEFINITION: This is professional supervisory work directing a statewide ecological program designed to protect, conserve, and manage plant and wildlife resources and their habitats.

An employee in this job supervises the activities of ecological professionals by reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating the development and implementation of agency ecological programs to include wild plant conservation, natural heritage programs, ecological communities, hydrology, watershed restoration, forest ecology, forest soils, wildlife and fisheries habitat management, ecological resource inventory and monitoring, and natural resource conservation. Work includes recommending and overseeing program goals, objectives, and priorities; directing the evaluation of field programs; developing and presenting reports on program effectiveness; directing the preparation and presentation of program rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines; and conducting program evaluations to ensure program requirements are being met. Work is performed independently and evaluated by and administrative supervisor for effectiveness of results.

   DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Supervises Ecological Program Specialists in the planning and coordination of statewide ecological programs in a forest or wildlife habitat setting which has significant impact on the agency’s conservation mission.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Develops, evaluates, and adjusts technical program goals, objectives, and priorities.

• Conducts evaluations to determine the effectiveness and implementation of agency ecological programs.

• Develops statewide ecological inventory and monitoring programs.

• Prepares recommendations designed to improve program efficiency and effectiveness, ensure uniformity of action, and facilitate achieving established goals.

• Develops, coordinates, and implements formal and informal training curriculum and materials to instruct field personnel on changes to program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; conducts specialized training in the areas of plant and wildlife ecology, habitat identity parameters, and ecosystem management.

• Meets with government officials, legislators, media, special interest groups, civic groups and associations, and the public to promote agency ecological programs.

• Reviews proposed legislation with impact on multiple programs and makes recommendations.

• Develops draft legislation to solve problems, enhance programs, and initiate new program activities.

• Prepares reports and corresponds with field personnel, co-workers, supervisors, elected officials, and the public concerning ecological programs.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of ecological sciences such as botany, wildlife, dendrology, and natural heritage management techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles of natural resource conservation and ecological restoration.

• Knowledge of ecological systems.

• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing forestry operations on public and private lands.

• Knowledge of the management theory practices of wildlife and plant ecology.

• Knowledge of rare and threatened species inventory methods.

• Knowledge of silviculture techniques used to control the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of state forests.

• Knowledge of training theories and best practices

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to develop and analyze policies, regulations, rules, procedures, and standards for application to ecological programs.

• Ability to implement and evaluate technical program goals, objectives, and priorities.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• One year of experience as an Ecological Program Specialist, Forest Program Specialist, Natural Resource Program Specialist 2, or Wildlife Biologist 3 (commonwealth titles);

or

• Two years as a Forest Assistant Manager (commonwealth title)

or

• Four years of professional experience in the management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources and bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.